2013 Hyundai i20 1.4 CRDi review

Range-topping diesel i20 driven

110g/km of CO2; 65.7mpg

On sale now, priced at £14,295

Read the Hyundai i20 review

Ed Callow, Deputy content editor

Apr 24, 2013

The Hyundai i20 1.4 CRDi Style is the range-topping edition of the company's supermini. With the exception of metallic paint (£455) and a convenience pack (which includes keyless entry and chrome door handles for £525) you get the entire equipment list thrown in for a price of £14,295.

If you don’t fancy spending quite that much, the same 1.4 diesel engine is available in Active trim for £800 less. You lose some equipment and cosmetic features, but gain a stop-start system and low-rolling-resistance tyres – all of which help to boost average economy to 76.3mpg and cut CO2 emissions to 96g/km.

What’s the 2013 Hyundai i20 1.4 CRDi Style like to drive?With 162lb ft of torque, the 1.4-litre diesel engine is surprisingly flexible, and only begins to feel stretched at motorway speeds.

The steering is adequate – if a bit vague – and the ride is comfortable enough over all but the most rutted road surfaces. However, the i20 is more at home in town than on the open road; at faster speeds the body bounces around in an uncontrolled fashion and the body leans dramatically through corners.

The diesel engine is refined at higher speeds, only becoming slightly intrusive at low revs – particularly when you're sitting in traffic. Switching to Active trim solves this problem, though, thanks to the stop-start system.

What's the 2013 Hyundai i20 1.4 CRDi Style like inside?It’s easy to get comfortable behind the wheel; the driver’s seat, steering wheel and front seatbelts all adjust to suit different driving positions. The cabin isn't particularly interesting to look at, but everything feels solid and the controls are intuitive.

Two adults will be perfectly comfortable sitting in the back, while the boot is also a good size; with the rear seats in place the i20's load bay is slightly bigger than a Ford Fiesta's.

The rear seats fold down virtually flat, although you have to flip up the seat bases first.

Range-topping Style trim brings Bluetooth, a USB input, automatic lights and wipers, climate control and a reversing camera with the screen built into the rear-view mirror. However, satellite-navigation isn't included – or available even as an option. aCheaper Active models get alloys and air-con.

Should I buy one?Our pick of the i20 range remains the five-door 1.2-litre petrol in Classic trim, because it offers most of the kit you need for a much lower price.

Yes, this range-topping diesel model is much better equipped and promises to be even cheaper to run, but if you’ve got £14k to spend on a diesel supermini there are far better alternatives, such as the new Renault Clio 1.5 dCi.